Southampton are hoping to beat their Premier League and European rivals to sign Reims defender Axel Disasi.
Southampton are keen on the rising centre-back Disasi, 22, who helped Reims finish sixth in the now-aborted French league and qualify for the Europa League.
Disasi was a key cog in the Reims rearguard that ended the season with the best defensive record, conceding just 21 goals in 28 games. Disasi started all but one of Reims league games.
A 6ft 3in defender who has caught the eye with his ball-playing qualities as much as his defensive attributes, Disasi who is valued at £13m and expected to leave this summer as he has just one year left on his contract.